Going back to our roots

Nationwide may not be the first name on your mind when listing developers. But bringing people together to build better quality homes was the starting point of the Society. And ensuring everyone has a place fit to call home is still our mission today.

That’s why we’re sponsoring a project to test how quality, sustainable, community focussed homes can be built without taking a profit. And, to encourage other responsible businesses to get involved in tackling the UK’s housing crisis, we’ll share everything we learn.

Investment in our hometown, Swindon

Working with the Borough Council, we selected a derelict brownfield site in Swindon, our hometown. A site other developers didn’t consider viable to build on. As project sponsors we set ourselves the task of creating a new neighbourhood of 239 homes. A place where younger generations could lay down their roots, families could grow together and older people could stay through later life.

Image of proposed Oakfield neighbourhood
Image of proposed Oakfield neighbourhood

Working hand-in-hand with local communities

We believe local people understand what they need to create a thriving community. So Keith Brown, our Community Organiser, listened to their views to help shape our plans. As a result, Oakfield will include:


  • shared gardens
  • a park
  • a play area
  • a community hub
  • improved cycle paths and walking routes to nearby communities.

If you live locally to Oakfield and would like to hear more about the project or want to discuss a community action project, please contact our Community Organiser.

Adaptable homes with excellent green credentials

Our aim is for quality, sustainable homes that are EPC A rated.

Oakfield also meets the council’s Affordable Homes target. 30% (71 homes) will be available as Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership through our housing association partner GreenSquare. There will also be homes that can be adapted to meet people’s needs as they get older, so they can live in them for longer.

In April 2020 our construction partner Mi-space started on site

By working closely with local communities there wasn’t a single formal objection to our planning application. The first homes should be ready in late 2021. Keep up with progress and find out more about the homes at the Oakfield website.

Image of proposed Oakfield neighbourhood
Image of proposed Oakfield neighbourhood

A blueprint for future developments

We want Oakfield to mark the start of a new movement in house building. Our hope is that other companies join us in creating quality, sustainable homes the right way, with the support of local communities.

Joe Garner, Nationwide CEO, says "We’re committing to share what we’ve learnt. I hope it inspires others to create good quality, sustainable homes where community can flourish".

We want to inspire other organisations to tackle the housing crisis

We’d love to speak to other organisations who are looking to build homes as a not-for-profit project or those who are looking at different ways of improving community involvement. Learn more and discover how you could get involved:

Get in touch

Call our Community Organiser

Keith Brown, Community Organiser

07825 832843

Email us

Get in touch with us here

oakfield@nationwide.co.uk

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